Civil defence staff are actively responding in Waitaki, Dunedin, Clutha and Central Otago districts as rivers are rising rapidly.

Evacuations are underway in Henley, within the Dunedin City boundary. There are also reports of streams overtopping in Lawrence and Ida Valley with reports of a small number of self evacuations.

In South Dunedin, heavy rain has infiltrated the wastewater system. The overflows are contained on roads, but people should stay out of floodwaters in these areas and treat them as contaminated. The Dunedin City Council has opened all available bypasses to alleviate pressure on the system.

A number of roads in the region are impacted and extreme caution is advised if travel is essential. Check NZTA’s website for the latest road closures at http://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/?layers=road-closures.

ENDS